FOUR OFFSHORE WORKERS CITED FOR FISHERIES VIOLATIONS

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited four men for alleged saltwater fisheries violations on June 17.

Hung Bui, 40, New Orleans, was cited for failing to have saltwater fish intact, possessing undersized red snapper, angling without a license and angling without a saltwater license. Tuan Nguyen, 33, Gretna, and Quang Gip, 30, Marrero, were cited for failing to have saltwater fish intact, angling without a license and angling without a saltwater license. Tot Nguyen, 52, Marrero, was cited for failing to have saltwater fish intact.

Acting on a tip that the four men were reportedly flying in to Intracoastal City in Vermilion Parish from offshore with fish that were not intact, the investigating agents met the incoming flight. Dressed fish consisting of red snapper, mangrove snapper, king mackerel, black drum and an undersized red snapper, among other whole fish, were discovered in their possession. The equivalent of an 84-quart ice chest of fish was seized and donated to charity.

Current regulations require that saltwater finfish, except garfish and swordfish, must be maintained with the head and caudal fin intact until brought to shore. The minimum size limit for red snapper caught recreationally is 16 inches. Persons possessing fish on the water are required to have in their possession the required fishing licenses.

The penalty for failing to have saltwater fish intact is a fine between $250 and $350 or jail time up to 90 days or both plus court costs. The penalty for violating possessing undersized red snapper is a fine between $100 and $350 or jail time up to 60 days or both plus court costs. The penalties for angling without a license and angling without a saltwater license are fines of $50 or jail time up to 15 days or both for first offense.